“With All Due Respec” Claims His Life Is in Danger

Until earlier this week, few Kenyans outside the transport and tourism sectors knew the name of Kennedy Kaunda.

However, the tour guides’ association boss has now emerged as one of the country’s most talked-about public figures after his dramatic confrontation with senior government officials during negotiations over the ongoing fuel price crisis.

Kaunda, who serves as Group CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association (EATGDA), gained national attention after publicly rejecting government claims that transport sector stakeholders had reached a deal following high-level talks chaired by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

His now-famous phrase, “with all due respect,” instantly went viral after he interrupted an official press briefing and declared that transport operators had not agreed to suspend the nationwide strike over soaring fuel prices.

“With all due respect, we respect everyone here; we did not come to set anybody up. We are law-abiding citizens. So there’s no deal. The strike is still on,” Kaunda stated.

Claims of Threats After Viral Moment

Days after the incident, Kaunda now says his life could be in danger following the public fallout from his remarks.

He claimed he had begun receiving intimidation and threats from unknown individuals.

“I’ve been told that I’m an embarrassment, so I should check my words before I speak them,” he said.

Kaunda suggested that speaking openly against powerful leaders had exposed him to risks, saying he had to weigh his words carefully whenever addressing matters involving senior authorities.

“You know, sometimes when I want to speak at that moment, I have to be very careful. You know, you are speaking to the authority,” Kaunda stated.

The EATGDA boss defended his decision to publicly contradict government officials, insisting that he had merely spoken on behalf of transport stakeholders.

“I confronted the people whom we have bestowed power upon. Some people are saying that I broke the protocol,” Kaunda added.

Also Read: EATGDA CEO Denies Bribe Claims Over Fuel Strike U-turn

Divided Public Reactions

Kaunda admitted that reactions to his conduct have divided opinion across the country, with some praising him for courage while others criticising him for embarrassing senior state officials.

“I ashamed people, you know? There are people who are recommending me for what I did. And there are those who are with me.”

His confrontation with government officials resonated strongly with many Kenyans frustrated by rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.

The original dispute emerged after transport stakeholders reportedly demanded diesel price reductions of between Ksh 30 and Ksh 35 per litre, arguing that smaller reductions would not meaningfully lower operating costs for transport providers and consumers.

Government officials had allegedly proposed a significantly smaller reduction through consultations involving the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Also Read:EXPLAINED: How Fuel Prices Will Reduce by Ksh 54 if Parliament Intervenes

Motorbike Incident Raises Alarm

Kaunda further alleged that unidentified men on a motorbike recently followed him near his home in what he believes may have been an act of intimidation linked to his public remarks.

“Actually, the day before yesterday, three guys followed me with a motorbike, and I was walking down towards my home. They came and they turned and they told me, ‘We have seen you all of us.’”

Although many initially associated Kaunda with the matatu industry leadership, he represents a different segment of the transport sector.

His association brings together tour guides, driver-guides, and tourism transport operators across East Africa, advocating for professional standards and improved welfare within the tourism industry.

Kaunda has maintained that his intervention during the government briefing was necessary because officials appeared to suggest that negotiations had concluded successfully when discussions were still ongoing.

“That is what forced me to speak. There was an impression being created that everything had been resolved yet discussions were still ongoing,” he previously explained.

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Chairperson and CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association (EATGDA) Kennedy Kaunda/SCREENGRAB